“The crews got in there and managed to gain entry to the engine box,” said a spokesman from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

They left the scene just before 6pm after extinguishing the fire.

Tracey Kent was parked nearby and spotted the car.

“We spotted this car smoking and reported it,” she said. “My car was parked next to it in the multi-storey and we could smell the smoke when we returned and reported it to the parking attendants. Glad it turned out okay.”

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.